Reopens Saturday, April 27th

Fishing Conditions
We could not be more excited about the opener on the McCloud this season as we experienced some challenging high water early seasons the past several years during the time hatches on the river were at their best. The McCloud River below McCloud Reservoir looks to be in superb shape with flows on the lower river at summer release levels, well below the norm with good clarity.

The McCloud's sister rivers, the Upper Sac and Pit have been excellent lately and we expect much of the same for the opener on the McCloud. Flows on the Upper McCloud above McCloud Reservoir are at the seasonal norm but much higher than the trickle we see in summer. The first couple weeks after the opener can be quite crowded on the Upper McCloud River as folks look to fill their creels with hatchery fish as well as the wild rainbows trying to spawn.

To enjoy the McCloud's full splendor we recommend you schedule a day with one of our local guides. We spend as much time on the McCloud River each season as our competitor's guides spend collectively.

Water Conditions
Quite unusual for this time in the year, there will be many places to cross on the Lower McCloud, similar to midsummer conditions with lots of pocket water and many runs that rarely see early season anglers. With the Upper Sac, Pit River and small creeks running lower that usual, we hope and expect the Lower McCloud will also avoid becoming the McCrowded this spring.

Flows below McCloud Reservoir have been decreasing down to 457 cfs at Lake Shasta and are steady at 225 cfs at Ah Di Na with fair to good clarity. With a low water year in store, it is unlikely PG&E will dump water and dampen the opener so we expect fishing to be excellent. Flows on the Upper McCloud above the McCloud Reservoir are a bit high ranging from 800-900 cfs but below the norm and will likely remain so for the coming weeks.

Flies
The opening of the season is most often a nymphing affair but look for opportunities for dry fly action midday and towards evening. Big bugs will become increasingly important, a few Salmonflies and Brown Drakes have been spotted, probably a sign that hatches will come off earlier than usual this season? Be prepared with small flies as well as large. We like to offer one of each when nymphing and tie droppers off our big dries. Try Stimis in orange or yellow #6-10, hanging Copper Johns, Iron Sallies, PT's, Micromays and your favorite caddis pupa in #14-18 off the bend. Use these small nymphs in combination with Poxyback Goldenstones, Rubberlegs, and Princes when exploring with an indicator or high stick nymphing.